November 2008 Archives

By Anna Valmero A habit of reading opens up opportunities to access information and widen learning. Students under the Bright Minds Read (BMR) program showed improvement in the Regional Achievement Test especially in Filipino, under which the program is implemented. BMR Grade 1 and Grade 2 students from Region 5 scored the highest points in mean performance level (MPL), compared to Grades 3 to 6 of non-BMR students, said Zonito Torrevillas, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines (RMHC). MPL ratings are as follows: Grade 1 pupils got 73.19; Grade 2, 75.77; Grade 3, 63.32; Grade 4, 64.54 Grade 5, 583.74 and Grade 6, 66.10. The reading program aims to instill in elementary students that reading is enjoyable, develops comprehension and critical thinking. The program also hopes to improve grammar skills of these young students, said Kenneth Yang, RMHC president. BMR is a program by RHMC in partnership with the Department of Education-NCR. It aims to develop the reading skills of Grade 1 and Grade 2 public school students, through the use of big storybooks included in BMR kits. Torrevillas said developing reading at this early stage is critical because it is the foundation years of education. DepEd’s Adopt-a-School program helps coordinate teachers for training on how to implement the BMR program. Yang said RMHC is working to provide BMR kits to 37,000 public schools by end of 2013. Now on its fifth year, the program has served 2,000 schools. A kit includes 32 storybooks, teacher’s lesson plans and students’ worksheets. “The road to zero non-readers program in the Philippines is very heart-warming,” said Yang. “Before the program, Grade 1 non-readers in the country were at 40 percent. After the program it is now only at 4 percent. So we are confident we can achieve, if not close the gap, for the zero non-readers by 2013.” Sharon Cuneta, ambassador of the program, said she plans to promote the program through the television and print media. “It’s nice to use this position where people attach credibility to you to advocate for programs like these,” said the actress who recently went back to school. “Reading is a foundation for bigger, better things to come. It is a discipline in itself in that it prepares you for school and stimulates imagination as opposed to the television in which you cannot react or interpret much,” Cuneta said. To boost awareness of the program, wife of Kenneth Cindy Yang was chosen as ambassador of the charity. She joins long-time McDonald endorser Cuneta in encouraging customers to help the BMR program through the Canister Campaign or by buying a Happy Meal. Cindy said that she plans to get support for BMR by tapping action form corporations and friends. “Personally, I believe that reading opens doors for children to dream big and work their way to a brighter future,” Cindy said.

By Yong B. Chavez There's a good chance Filipino-flavored food will stay in the Obama White House menu. Though change is coming in the White House this January, there's one area where Obama's new administration isn't likely to change, reports say. Walter Scheib, White House executive chef for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, says in an AP interview that "there's a 90 percent chance the new administration will stick with his successor, Cristeta Comerford." Though the job is high-profile, the work of a White House executive chef isn't fit for someone wanting a celebrity status. Being sensitive and understanding is just as important as culinary skills, given that the chef is among the few people who interact with the first family in private, former White House chefs say. Comerford, the first woman and first minority to serve as executive chef in the White House, gets high praise in those areas. The following is an article I wrote about Comerford back in 2005. About the photo:Chef Cristeta "Cris" Comerford prepares a meal inside the White House kitchen in this July 17, 2002 photo. White House Photo by Tina Hager. +++

First lady head chef in the White House is Filipina When Cristeta Comerford comes back to work from her vacation by the month’s end, she will have a full plate in front of her as she assumes her new responsibilities as the White House executive chef at that time. Mrs. Laura Bush announced Sunday that Comerford, whom the First Lady calls by her nickname “Cris”, has been given the executive kitchen’s top post. A Food Technology graduate of the University of the Philippines, the 42-year-old wife and mother is the first woman to get the job. "I am delighted that Cris Comerford has accepted the position of White House executive chef," Mrs. Bush said in her press statement. "Her passion for cooking can be tasted in every bite of her delicious creations." Comerford will be in charge of designing and executing menus for state dinners, social events, holiday functions, receptions and official luncheons hosted by President and Mrs. Bush. The first lady top chef of the White House is trained in French classical techniques and specializes in ethnic and American cuisine. She has helped develop menus for previous special White House events including a state dinner in honor President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Susan Whitson, the First Lady’s press secretary, said that Mrs. Bush was very happy with Comerford’s work in her capacity as the White House assistant chef for the past 10 years. “She is very pleased with Cris,” Whitson said. It took six months for the position to be filled because the First Lady wanted to make sure that the person who would replace former executive chef Walter Scheib III would be the best that they could get, Whitson added. The search for the presidential chief chef was headed by White House social secretary Lea Berman and head usher Gary Walters. Walters has been quoted in reports as saying that the White House executive chef is paid in the general range of $80,000 and $100,000 a year. Although it is a sizable amount, famous chefs in America get so much more than that, but the high-profile job still attracted a lot of applicants hungry for the chance to rule the president's kitchen. “They went through hundreds of applicants, and after thoughtful consideration, they went with Cris,” Whitson said. The fact that she is a woman is a bonus, but in the end, she was chosen because she was “the best qualified”, Whitson said. The new White House top chef, a naturalized U.S.citizen who was born in the Philippines, lives in the Washington D.C. area with her family.

This article is also published in the Proudly Filipina blog, an online magazine and social network that simulates the warm, intimate and safe environment of bonding with your sisters or best girlfriends. Through a selection of articles on love, sex, hobbies, soulful stories, inspiration, health and wellness, advocacies and women’s issues and that are targeted towards enriching the Pinay’s heart, body and spirit, it’s every Filipina’s virtual coffee-and-cupcake time at the click of a mouse.

By Marjorie Gorospe DOGS are man’s best friend. But for Sergio Redolosa these loyal creatures are his partners in life. It has been five years since Redolosa started training and taking care of his dogs. His dogs are named “Bagwis,” “Habagat” and “Amihan.” Habagat became part of the “Enteng Kabisote” movie and “Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang” series in local television. Habagat apparently knows how to add and subtract and say “I love you.” Redolosa is not a professional trainer. His pets are also not of imported breed. But he has trained his pets because they are his partners in street shows. Currently the breadwinner of his family (his wife left him and his children), he has trained his pets very well enough to draw crowds as they perform in the streets. Redolosa understands that some pro-animals might frown upon what he is doing. However, he makes sure that his pets don’t get sick. “Pinapagamot ko pa nga sila sa ospital, parang anak na ang turing ko sa mga yan [They are like my kids that I have to buy them medicine whenever they get sick],” he says. He says people who hurt their pets for no reason should be reprimanded. Redolosa and his dogs perform regularly in the streets of Morayta for 20 minutes during the morning and another 20 minutes in the afternoon. During weekends, you can find them near SM Manila or along Quezon Avenue. After performances, they go home in Baseco, Manila. Before I left them to perform before another crowd, he reminded me the importance of treating his pets as family. “If they feel they are loved, they’ll love you back,” Redolosa says. Perhaps his pets share the same sentiment, as they deliver great performances everyday for their loving master.

By Lella Santiago FILIPINAS never cease to amaze. They amaze with their talent. They amaze with their style. As proof of their exceptional ability three Pinay authors have done the country proud by making it to the bestseller list of Kinokuniya Bookstore in Singapore: Noelle Chua at number 2, Maya Calica at number 3 and Tara Sering at number 5. These three savvy, cosmopolitan and bestselling Filipina novelists were likewise handpicked by International Publisher Marshall Cavendish to launch the first “Asian Chic” Lit books. Asian Chic is about Asian women set within the panorama of Asian locales and takes a lingering look at their distinctly Asian lives. And it’s absolutely thrilling that this new literary genre is spearheaded by Filipinas. The chick lit hits that were recently launched under the Asian Chic banner are “Undercover Tai Tai” by Maya Calica, “Amazing Grace” by Tara FT Sering, and “Mrs Mismarriage” by Noelle Chua. Maya Calica Singapore-based Maya is the editor of Smile, the inflight magazine of Cebu Pacific Airlines. Previous to this, she worked as a writer and editor of different magazines. Her talent for writing began to manifest around the 7th grade. She started by entertaining her sisters with her stories. As a matter of fact, her current hit, “Undercover Tai Tai” was loosely inspired by her sister Pinky, a wannabe detective. A prolific writer, she has several editorial and journalistic laurels on her pretty head. Another of her bestsellers, “The Break-Up Diaries” has been produced into a 4-episode TV miniseries on ABC Channel 5. A rich life is the source for creative writing. No wonder Maya is a bestselling author. She lives a full life with yoga, reiki and painting among her varied interests. Tara FT Sering The only Asian Chic writer based in Manila, Tara works as the managing editor of Contemporary Art Philippines. Concurrently, she is the managing director of Southeast Asian Heritage Publishing. She is a multi-awarded author with a National Book Award for her novel “Almost Married” and a 2nd Prize Palanca Award for her short story, “Good People.” Tara also writes a column for Supreme published by The Philippine Star. Noelle Chua Being a freelance editor and writer, Noelle is privileged to be a work-at-home wife and mom. She has been a resident of Singapore since 2000 where she migrated with her husband and children. Another Palanca Award winner, she had several of her short stories published in literary journals in Asia and the U. S. Noelle’s craft was honed during her stint as a copywriter for McCann-Erickson and as deputy editor of several magazines for women. These are three chic Filipina authors we can all be proud of. Photos courtesy of Kiko Dimalanta. This article is also published in the Proudly Filipina blog, an online magazine and social network that simulates the warm, intimate and safe environment of bonding with your sisters or best girlfriends. Through a selection of articles on love, sex, hobbies, soulful stories, inspiration, health and wellness, advocacies and women’s issues and that are targeted towards enriching the Pinay’s heart, body and spirit, it’s every Filipina’s virtual coffee-and-cupcake time at the click of a mouse.

Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net MANILA CITY, Philippines -- Most kids at the age of eight are probably busy playing their favorite toys or the computer. Julian Duque, 8, is unlike those kids. He loves to play but using his little fingers on the violin. Duque was six years old when he started playing the violin. None of his parents were interested in music. But that didn’t stop him from learning the instrument. At his current age, he can already play classical music from Mozart, among others. He can also play music medleys that can give comfort on a stressful day. Duque’s talent was discovered when he was chosen to portray the role of a boy named "Onyok" in the film "Boses" by Ellen Marfil. Boses is a finalist in the 2008 Cinemalaya. Through the film, the young lad showed that he also had a knack for acting, as he took on the role of a mute child battered by his father. So it was through music that he finds healing and solace. Ian Keneth Duque, Julian’s father, admits that it takes greater responsibility to take care of a gifted child. He says it is a blessing to have a gifted child. But it is also important that the young Duque enjoys his childhood. The young lad dreams of becoming a pilot someday. But at the moment, the young Duque is preparing for his upcoming competition in National Musical Competition for Young Artists (NAMCYA) in 2009. “Someday, when he can choose which career he wants to pursue, we will let him. But for the meantime, I will guide him as his father,” Duque says.

Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net ALTERNATIVE education is the flagship program of Educational Research and Development Assistance (ERDA) Foundation, Inc. It is a response to the growing number of out-of-school youth in the country. Fr. Pierre Tritz, founder of ERDA Foundation, saw the need to take action on the need to get these young people back to school. Thus he gave up his foreign nationality and acquired Filipino citizenship to continue his mission in the country. ERDA has started various programs for these young people, including those found scavenging, wondering the streets and indigenous children who disregarded by society. Seeing that the key to a better future is education, hence, ERDA put up the Tuklas, Kalinga, Laruan, Aralan at Sanayan (TuKLASan) Center for street children in San Juan, Metro Manila and the Sanayan ng mga Batang Nanambakan (SaBaNa) Center for young scavengers in Tondo, Manila. “We’re glad that the children whom we have granted alternative education do not go back to scavenging anymore,” says Eugenia Celario, program officer of ERDA Sabana. “The toxics they have to [be exposed to] in the smoky mountain are dangerous to their health,” Celario adds. As of the moment, the foundation has targeted more than 500 children for its SaBaNa program in Tondo. Their program has produced 258 elementary students, 147 high school students and 11 college students distributed among the three barangays in Tondo. Celario says SaBaNa provides non-formal education using a module approved by the Department of Education. These students are then required to take an examination and if they pass, they can continue studying without getting embarrassed about their age. “When [young scavengers] are provided alternative education, most likely, they will not go back to scavenging and they can see that their dreams are not too far from them to reach,” Celario says.

The Philippine national anthem’s title has often been mistaken as, “Bayang Magiliw.” It is the first few words in the lyrics composed by Julian Felipe in 1898. But more than being a cheerful nation, the Philippines is a chosen land, hence, the title, “Lupang Hinirang.” I remember singing Lupang Hinirang in my elementary years under the heat of the sun every morning in school. Back then, I felt that the national anthem had lost its meaning, as we sang it everyday. Of course, that was before. Today, you will hear the national anthem played in movie theaters before it opens and closes. So it was refreshing to hear a new version of the national anthem complete with new visuals. For several minutes, I was enthralled, as I saw, for the first time, the recent movie screening of Mae Paner’s Lupang Hinirang at the Rockwell Powerplant Mall. Here's the same video uploaded on YouTube: Advertising executive and director Paner’s interpretation of the Lupang Hinirang hopes to restore the Filipinos’ national pride. It begins with a young boy walking. With ragged slippers, he paces until he finds a little Philippine flag covered in dust on the ground. He picks it up and shakes off the dust. The boy continues walking, sees an empty flag pole. He moves towards it. Without hesitation, he removes his slippers, places the flag in his pocket and begins climbing it. The boy struggles to climb until he reaches the top. He then takes the flag from his pocket and waves it with a smile and pride. Meanwhile, a slower cadence of Lupang Hinirang played. I must admit I had goosebumps as I witnessed Paner’s interpretation of Lupang Hinirang. Watching the public screening of Paner’s Lupang Hinirang are Roadrunner’s Ric Hawthorne and NBN-ZTE controversy star witness Jun Lozada. Later in an interview, Hawthorne admits Paner’s music video portrays and instills national pride, which should start in every Filipino at a young age. Lozada was touched by the music video. “It appeared to me that it was so symbolic [especially with] the flag lying on the ground. Parang ganyan ang nangyayari sa bansa natin ngayon [It is similar to what’s happening in our country now] that national pride and national dignity is being stepped upon by so many of these corrupt officials. Somebody has to pick it up,” Lozada adds.

By Izah Morales INQUIRER.net YOU often see crocheted bags made of threads and yarn. But have you seen one using plastic? The Invisible Institute, a non-government organization (NGO), is now using plastics as material for their homegrown crocheted bags. “As we all know, we have many poor women who really need more income generating activities because they have so many people depending on them. What we’ve done is to take those people whom I call ‘invisible’ or ‘unseen’ and put them together with invisible waste, which I consider factory waste,” Invisible Institute founder and artist Ann Wizer said. The group uses “clean trash and garbage bags” as materials to teach poor women to crochet. “It’s a very simple skill. And we’re also teaching any men who are willing,” said Wizer. Crochet is a French term that literally means “hook.” It describes a “series of interlocking loops onto a chain using a slender rod with a hook at the end,” according to CrochetDoilies website. Wizer began the organization in collaboration with another non-government organization called Gems Heart, which gathered women in Malibay, Pasay in October to train every Tuesday afternoon. “In this project, I have given very little design advice because I was trying to see what they would come up with themselves first,” said Wizer. Virgie Buencochillo and Rene Sison, two of the participants in the workshop, related how the program changed the way they eventually see plastic. Buencochillo, for her part, said she now saves plastic bags from groceries and uses them as materials for crocheted bag. She also uses empty containers as another material. Sison admitted plastics turned into bags can generate extra income. “Sometimes, our budget is insufficient since I still have kids who are studying. That’s why I use the money that I get [from this new livelihood] when we’re short of budget,” Sison added. So far, Sison has created bags out of scrap materials, such as rejected syringe, plastics, excess carpet. He said he has earned about P 4,000. Buencochillo has also finished some bags which has earned her a total of P 1,950. Sison said crocheted plastic bags are very cheap to make. You don’t need a lot of capital since the materials are junk. Rejected and unused syringes, for instance, cost less than P 100. “It’s a self-empowering skill,” added Wizer who admitted that the organization still needs funding to hire more experts and staff. “The next step for the Invisible Institute is to get some design expertise. I love to see more designers and artists involved. We also need funding because we have to make this a real, legal entity and a real cooperative and later run by Filipinos so that they can feel the benefits,” explained Wizer.

By Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net TAGUIG CITY, Philippines – A group composed of children of Filipino war veterans continue to fight for the benefits due them. Joining the celebration of Veteran’s Day at American Cemetery, the Philippine Veterans Legion (Sons and Daughters) (PLV) Laguna Chapter said they will persist on helping beneficiaries of the veterans during the World War II. The group was established in the 1980s but was only formally recognized last January 30, 2008. “We aim to unite the sons and daughters of veteran and so together we can combat for our benefits because of the sacrifices of our parents during the war,” said Carmelita Bumatay, president of the PLV Laguna Chapter. Bumatay recalls her father who served during the World War II. During the liberation in Laguna, her father, Lt. Jose Rodriguez Sr. was raising the flag not knowing that there were still enemies in the location. He got shot but managed to live. He later died of a disease. Bumatay now receives pension through the help of US Embassy and her organization but the fight is not over. “I only had mine but what about the others?” she added. Bumatay lamented that many people have already forgotten the Filipinos who fought with the American during the World War II. For the relatives of these war veterans, their bravery will never fade. Many relatives, however, are losing hope in getting the benefit they deserve. Bumatay said that due to the delay in the processing of benefits, some are falling to fixers who offer to facilitate the processing. Bumatay advised her fellow beneficiaries not to give up their right and join their organization.

By Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net TAGUIG City, Philippines -- United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney together with some American and Filipino military dignitaries celebrated the Veteran’s Day at American Cemetery. “If not for their sacrifices, our nations will never be free. They are the reason why we can vote peacefully, freely and with excitement actually,” said Kenney who joined the honoring of the war veterans. Kenney said she appreciated the enduring friendship between Filipino and Americans, as she acknowledged Filipinos who served the Americans during the World War II. “My grandfather and father is also war veteran,” Kenney said, as she disclosed why this day was also close to her heart. In an interview with reporters, Kenney shared her excitement about the new government under President-elect Barack Obama. However, she stressed that she is waiting until January when Obama finally settles into the White House.

By Rissa Gimenez IT is said that one could find a Filipino in almost every corner of the world. And in a charming little corner in southwest Brittany, France called Quimper, a provincial lass from Mauban, Quezon sparkles. Quimper pronounced “kem-pair” is a quaint, medieval town with cobbled streets, low flat bridges that cross the river that glides along the impressive Saint-Corentin cathedral. Half-timbered buildings are festooned with geraniums and chrysanthemums this time of the year. Within this ancient city, the oldest cities in Brittany actually, are ultramodern buildings that blend tunefully with the city's old world charm. Quimper is a storybook land from the medieval quarter. And this is where Margo Calderero-Palud’s story unfolds. Down the boulevard of cafés and creperies, and among pottery shops and other tourist attractions is a much loved jewelry store, owned by a humble yet feisty Filipina. In fact, Margo Calderero-Palud heads and runs not just one but three well-known shops in this fabled city, in southwest Breton -- Bisoux, which sells high end, fine jewelry pieces, Kisso Kisso, which specializes in the more fun and funky trinkets and charms, and Pilgrim, a jewelry, fashion accessories and fashion store. Margo’s fairy-tale like story began in 1992, when she married Intercontinental Manila’s celebrated French Executive Chef Michel Palud. After 4 years, the couple flew to France to start their own restaurant, Le Spices. Margo, a University of Santo Tomas Fine Arts graduate and stranger to a foreign land, was determined to support her husband no matter what. And as a dutiful wife and partner, she summoned every fiber in her body to help make their restaurant a success. Expectedly, Michel was lord of the kitchen, while Margo worked on the concept, interior, packaging, marketing and entertaining. See? She was into multi-tasking even before the word became every career woman’s mantra! So it wasn’t a surprise that in 12 years, Le Spices became a one of the town’s more adored spots. But just when Margo thought that her life would continue its storybook sequence, a chapter suddenly ended! Her husband Michel decided to sell the restaurant and move on to bigger ventures abroad. It was probably the artist in her kicking in, for this time, Margo decided to stay in France instead of joining him. She wanted to etch a name for herself and made a name, she did. Guided by instinct and thrilled to venture on her own, Margo saw the light when she came across a jewelry store that was for sale. She knocked on their doors but instead of buying it lock, stock, and barrel, she asked the owner if she could work there for a few months to check its profitability. Here’s a great tip from Margo: “When buying a business, don’t take the owner’s word for it. Experience it firsthand, then give your price.” In three months, the sales of that store doubled! The secret? Surely, it was Margo’s innate charm and her attention to clients’ needs. One can probably add the Filipino’s inherent hospitality into the mix. She explains further, “In the resto, I did my best to know my diners by heart. I knew how they liked their meals cooked, or what time they would come in for their café.” Margo adds, “this attention, I used in the jewelry store, so sales flourished. And because it did, the owner decided not to sell!” Downcast, she thought of moving back to the Philippines. But she remembered her commitment to succeed in foreign shores. Talk about faith and Fate! Soon after, another jewelry store was up for sale. Margo snapped up the chance. Without missing a beat, she flew home to Mauban, Quezon, sold her property and this time, bought the business lock, stock, and barrel. There was no turning back for this feisty self-proclaimed probinsyana. Bisoux was born and a new chapter in her exciting life had begun. The store was a labor of love. Margo painted the walls, assembled the furniture and fixtures herself. She asked suppliers to place their merchandising in her store. The result was a quaint shop where shoppers would walk in, chitchat with this warm Filipina, and walk out with their fine purchases. Initially, she was into selling certain pieces she got in Manila’s Greenhills tiangge (mini stalls). Today, she purchases her wares from South Africa, Columbia and Italy. She also attends shows in Hong Kong, Paris and Italy to keep updated with the trends. However, her thrust now is to promote and sell the Philippines’ Pride -- golden south sea pearls and indigenous Filipino jewelry to Europe through her stores. Not forgetting her roots and wanting to give back, Margo also initiated a livelihood program for her townsfolk in Mauban. Tapping on Filipino ingenuity, she created a cottage industry of jewelry pouches from old Barong Tagalogs, and made jewelry hangers from the local woodcraft. And that wasn’t enough. Margo also established the Ninong and Ninang Foundation, to help provide education to Mauban’s children. The mandate is simple: French sponsors adopt a child for a year and provide for his or her education and educational needs. Imagine. She started with 5 kids, now her foundation has sent 32 kids to school this year. Margo knows education is important in shaping children’s young minds. She has two wonderful kids herself, Natalie who is 16 and Christof, aged 20. So what can be gleaned from Margo’s heartwarming story? That every Filipina who has talent, a strong belief in one’s self, and the determination to make it no matter how big or small the odds, can become successful anywhere in the world. And like Margo Calderero-Palud, sparkle and shine. But wait! Margo’s love affair with jewelry and the ancient beauty of France isn’t over yet. The next interesting chapter is still being written. And she hopes you won’t miss it. This article is also published in the Proudly Filipina blog, an online magazine and social network that simulates the warm, intimate and safe environment of bonding with your sisters or best girlfriends. Through a selection of articles on love, sex, hobbies, soulful stories, inspiration, health and wellness, advocacies and women’s issues and that are targeted towards enriching the Pinay’s heart, body and spirit, it’s every Filipina’s virtual coffee-and-cupcake time at the click of a mouse.

By Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net MAE Paner has been in advertising industry for 25 years. Her debut in directing commercials came in 1997 when she came out with “Black and White.” Since then, she has found herself drowned in a career of “selling” soap, political personalities and products appealing to a certain target market. Paner is a stage actor in the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Aside from directing, she has been a commercial talent, appearing in a funny Boysen paint commercial as the nagging mother-in-law to a man painting his home. In the commercial, the nonchalant son-in-law keeps painting the wall white until he decides to paint over Paner who continues nagging him. For years, Paner thought she was doing okay with her chosen career as an artist until she saw Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr.'s expose on the controversial National Broadband Network project during a Senate investigation. “I was crying as I watched him. I felt so sad knowing that this is how terrible corruption is in our country,” Paner said. She realized that as an artist, she must do something to promote love for country because the greed for power and money is rooted in the lack of love for country. Paner later invited her friends to join her in an advocacy but very few responded. This did not stop her. She and some friends eventually formed a group called “Convergence Team,” whose objective is to promote nation building through art. The group also hopes to encourage good governance. The group eventually came up with a modern and inspiring music video of the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” which practically slowed down the way the anthem was sang from its usual 4/4 cadence to a slower, heartfelt beat. Paner directed the video. She also got the Loboc children’s choir conducted by Alma Taldo to sing the national anthem. While it may sound cliché, Paner believes that the children are the country’s future. Not surprising, the music video of the Lupang Hinirang features a child. The music video is simple: it shows a child walking and eventually finding a little Philippine flag on the ground. Next, the kid starts climbing a flag pole, and towards the end of the anthem, plants the little flag on top of the flag pole. “What will a kid do when he sees a flag on the ground?” asked Paner. In the music video, Paner shows that children who symbolize innocence will take and clean the flag. But it goes beyond that, as the child makes an effort to put the flag where it belongs. The kid’s presence in the music conveys innocence and pure intention. If only Filipinos would also show such love for the country, then we can all move forward as a nation, Paner said. “I am done with selling political ads and products, now I want to sell our nation,” she added. Indeed, incorporating social values is a rare practice in profit-oriented businesses. Paner suggests companies should also help in nation building. The Lupang Hinirang music video has so far been getting positive responses from people. Paner said her group is thinking of more and similar projects in the future. One problem they have encountered is delay in production due to tight budgets. For now, the group is using the Internet to spread the music video. People has already found their music video on YouTube.

By Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines – Renato "Boy" Samson discovered magic when he was six years old. Due to his persistent desire to learn, he volunteered to be an assistant to a magician for free. In return, he was taught how to be one until finally he has polished the craft. Samson was eventually known for combining sleight of hand with charm, making sure he maintains rapport with his audience. Samson is one of the founding members of Inner Magic Club of the Philippines. It is one of the pioneering clubs of magicians in the country. In an interview, Samson says that he has gotten used to skeptical audience. One trick he has learned is to invite these skeptics and make them as part the show. I later asked him how has magic evolved as a form of entertainment in the Philippines. “We are glad that people now recognize magic as a form of entertainment, apart from the usual sing and dance numbers you see in different occasions,” Samson says. He recalls back then that magicians called up media to perform to get free exposure. Today, they are getting invited to perform along with celebrities. As a magician in the Philippines, Samson hopes to perform magic just like David Copperfield. “If only we have sponsors like him, we can also perform as he does. His performances need a lot of support like from engineering and all,” Samson added. I then asked him what traits an aspirant magician must have. “First is interest in magic. Patience is also one because you cannot learn it overnight. But most of all, practice, practice and practice,” Samson says. As we concluded our conversation, Samson defined magic as a therapy for his audience. “In just few minutes, you make your audience think how magic happens and help them forget their problems for a while,” he says. But one thing I learned: magic will never be magic if magicians disclosed their secrets. If they do, magic will lose its mystery.

By Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net MANILA CITY, Philippines -- Alfred Herrera or “Naning” is just one of many Filipinos selling Sampaguita to believers of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. At the age of 16, Herrera already sees the need to support his own finances, while making sure his siblings are fed. The second of nine children, he knows his income from selling Sampaguita is needed. But unlike others selling Sampaguita, Herrera can only go every Fridays to Quiapo. From Monday to Thursday, he has to attend his classes. "Nagpaalam naman ako sa teacher ko na 'pag Friday, hindi ako papasok kasi magtitinda ako. Naiintindihan naman niya (I have told my teacher that I have to work every Friday. She understands my situation),” Herrera says.
Herrera partly enjoys going back to Quiapo to sell Sampaguita because he has established return buyers or “suki.” It keeps him busy as he stays near the Quiapo church. He feels that people are buying from him because of his condition. Herrera was born with only one leg. But his condition has never stopped him from helping his family earn extra income. According to him, his mother has attempted to give him up while he was still in the womb. However, as it turned out he is now a blessing to his family. Herrera dreams of becoming a computer engineer. For now, however, he only wishes he could have something better to serve on their table every meal. Herrera is one of many Filipino children forced to work because of poverty. While it is his right to study and enjoy life, he is forced into a situation wherein this right is violated. Who is to be blamed for this? Since Herrera has chosen this life, wherein he has to help feed a family, he doesn’t have much choice but to set aside childhood and be forced to become an adult. Not surprising, Herrera never regrets selling Sampaguita. He has learned valuable lessons in his six years of selling. But he also admits that he can't help but feel embarrassed whenever his classmates see him in Quiapo. "If I were to offer a Sampaguita to our patron, my prayer would always be for my family, to have a better life in the future," he says, as he continued selling Sampaguita.

By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net AT first glance, operating a ferris wheel seems like a mundane job requiring little skill. Sort of like operating an on/off switch, like I thought it was, remembering annual "peryahan" or carnivals in time for fiesta in my hometown. But when you're in charge of keeping as many as 144 people safe while screaming their hearts out (out of joy and anxiety), as in the case of Enchanted Kingdom's Patrick Abrantes, running a ferris wheel that's about 45 meters tall – a lot more massive than most - requires you to pass exams. Aside from being extra attentive, of course.

By Anna Valmero INQUIRER.net MARIKINA, Philippines—MONDAY nights are for abandon. Veering away from the usual notion of “busy-ness” attached to Mondays, college students, faculty and business professionals troop to Mag:net Katipunan Cafe to celebrate a night of poetry reading, drinks, fun and lots of learning. Welcome to Happy Mondays. Happy Mondays started three years ago when a small group of poets met Monday nights after work to read and write poems over several bottles of beer. The drill is nothing too formal: chat, draft poems and enjoy the company of friends over some drinks. And the results are impressive: hundreds of poems, some of which have won the Palanca Awards. A year after, the group was approached by Mag:net Katipunan owner Rock Drilon to bring their poetry reading session at the cafe, said Joel Toledo, a poet from the original group during an interview with INQUIRER.net at the 39th installment of Happy Mondays. Since then, the group attracted other poets from all genres and age, growing to a community of poets. And though people come and go, a fully-packed night can have about 80 persons at the house, Toledo noted. Though a community, they avert the structure of an organization since they don’t want exclusivity or having the image of an elite group. A faculty member at Miriam College, Toledo said what they have is a loosely based organization where everyone is invited to join and have fun. “We want Happy Mondays the way it is: People come to share their work and talk with people whose passion is similar to theirs, said Toledo. “We are here not to critic each other’s work but to have fun by sharing our expression of ideas.” This could be the key to the constant flow of writers who flock the venue every Mondays, said Toledo. Toledo also commended the support they are getting from students and faculty of University of the Philippines Diliman, Miriam College, De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University, some of which are now patrons. Even without the charters of an organization, the poets of Happy Mondays observe one rule: they are craft-conscious. What brings this craft consciousness? Shared Toleda: “I can say the people of Happy Mondays are not amateurs for they know where they are coming from—in terms of style, genre or rhetoric. It’s not the audacity of reading the poem onstage but each poet’s desire to write a poem worthy of being read onstage.” Another poet from the original group, Mikael Co concurred and said Happy Mondays has continuously shaped his craft. For the last two years, the low-key Co has won Palanca for his poems. The group has also produced five other Palanca winners. Co shared that bringing the poem to the stage helped removed the notion that poem is a high-brow, solitary art meant to be enjoyed alone. Much like any art, he said, a poem has a communal aspect to it, that it is better shared. Toledo said that poetry reading allows younger writers, who are not yet published, to share their work and be heard, even if not in public. As I left the Café, I looked back at the entrance and saw the poem, the last line of which was quoted by Co in my earlier talk with him.

Brook by Joel Toledo The old dirt road will lead you to it, eventually: a depression visible through the gaps among the tall grass, the air terribly lonely where a bridge should have been. The descent will be difficult. The banks are steep and riddled with roots and insects and mud. But the brook will be there -- the daily chorus of rocks gurgling the sweet water, the dragonflies balanced curiously above the laughter of lilies and fish, the visiting kingfisher, blue, chest puffed, proud. Late this afternoon a letter arrived from some country, some memory, some small movement in the soul. It had nothing to do with the brook, but still I walked out of the house to stare at the gathering night and to weep for the little deaths--the day's demise, the loss of color, the brook I will not visit in the darkness nor come back to, ever again. Return is the tragedy of time, rotting the spoiled places, inconsolable by presence. We handle grief by moving. Distance makes it intense.

By Lella Santiago Her name was Elsa. She was a showgirl. Or to be more precise, she was a Filipina entertainer in Japan. A Japayuki. His name was Reizo. He was a patron at the bar where she worked. He was a Yakuza. He fell in love with her. Alone and far from home, Elsa succumbed to his persistent wooing. The liaison produced a son they named Kenji. Trouble began when Elsa ended their relationship. The violent man that he was, he threatened to kill her. Afraid for her life and not wanting to leave her son behind, Elsa went into hiding. Life on the run became unbearable. There were times she had to scavenge for food. She decided to bring Kenji to the Philippines. Because of the trouble she was in, Elsa failed to get a Japanese birth certificate for Kenji. The only record of his birth was with the hospital where he was born. The Philippine Consulate in Tokyo issued an affidavit of birth based on hospital records. With this document, Elsa was able to bring her infant son home. Back home, Elsa realized the money she saved will not sustain them for long. With a heavy heart, she decided to return to Japan. Kenji was left in the care of her mother and brother. In Japan, she met Toshiro, a cab driver. He was a good man and this time, Elsa reciprocated the love he offered. They lived together and eventually had a daughter. Life became better for Elsa but it was not complete. She missed her son. For years, Elsa tried to bring Kenji to Japan. But without a Japanese birth certificate, he couldn’t get a Japanese passport. When Kenji was 7 years old, Elsa and her new family went back to the Philippines. Toshiro wanted to adopt Kenji to facilitate his return. Elsa and Toshiro even got married in the Philippines to enable him to adopt Kenji legally. But legal technicalities prevented the adoption. In cases of foreign adoption, the two countries involved have to make a case study. This proved to be too difficult to obtain that Elsa and Toshiro returned to Japan without Kenji. As Kenji turned 16, Elsa thought of consulting a different lawyer. She was advised that Kenji had automatic Philippine citizenship being the son of a Filipina who was unmarried at the time of his birth. This entitles him to get a Philippine passport. The issue of his birth certificate was solved by the lawyer with a request for this document from the National Statistics Office (NSO). As his birth was documented by the Philippine Consulate in Tokyo, it was automatically recorded with the NSO. Armed with a birth certificate, Kenji was able to get a Philippine passport. With his Philippine passport, Kenji applied for a Japanese visa. This was easily granted because he was born in Japan. Although his Japanese father was not recorded in his birth certificate, it was not critical to prove his parentage. The place of his birth was enough to grant him an entry permit. Today Kenji is in Tokyo with his mother and her family. To cement Kenji’s place in his new home, Toshiro is still filing for adoption. The names of the people involved have been changed to protect their identities. This article is also published in the Proudly Filipina blog, an online magazine and social network that simulates the warm, intimate and safe environment of bonding with your sisters or best girlfriends. Through a selection of articles on love, sex, hobbies, soulful stories, inspiration, health and wellness, advocacies and women’s issues and that are targeted towards enriching the Pinay’s heart, body and spirit, it’s every Filipina’s virtual coffee-and-cupcake time at the click of a mouse.